CUMBERLAND, Ky. – Jared Arnett, executive director of Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. (SOAR) was recently interviewed by April Simpson of Stateline, a publication of the Pew Charitable Trusts on the work happening in the Tri-Cities in Harlan County to attract more tourists.

Establishing Appalachia Kentucky as a tourism destination is one of seven goals outlined in SOAR’s Regional Blueprint for a 21st Century Appalachia.

“Tourism is a piece to the puzzle of the transformation we are working towards,” said Arnett. “The AML funding to remodel the Portal 31 exhibition coal mine, create a coffee roasting and dulcimer making facility, and build a new observation deck on Black Mountain has the potential to turn the Tri Cities into a true destination for thrill seekers and those who want a true glimpse of the natural beauty in the Appalachian Mountains.”

Read the entire Stateline article, HERE.